Obama’s Habit of ‘False Choice’ Arguments…

Throughout Obama’s campaign, and into his presidency, there was always something that bothered me about his method of argument. The problem was, I just couldn’t put my finger on it. It finally dawned on me…Obama continually uses what are called ‘false choice’ arguments. False choice arguments are normally presented as two extreme, mutually exclusive choices, and are purposely proposed in order to obfuscate and remove consideration of any other plausible possibilities. For example, “you are either for us, or you are against us,” is a common one. Recently, during the (almost non-existent) embryonic stem cell debate, either you were for ESCR, or you were anti-science.

These type of arguments are almost always deliberate, by using a falsehood to force the choice. The other possibilities would be ignorance, wishful thinking, or black-and-white thinking. Obama uses these arguments consistently, and over many differing topics – from foreign policy to the economy. That eliminates ignorance. Black-and-white thinking, as well as wishful thinking, would indicate a thought and communication process which lacked depth – or two dimensional thinking. This possibility cannot be eliminated, however it is highly unlikely in someone who has advanced to the level of President of the United States, and has at his disposal countless experts.

That leaves only deliberate use, which by necessity implies deception. This type of argument is designed to make only one choice the obvious choice. Obama’s presentation of his Stimulus Bill was presented in this way, “We cannot sit by and do nothing.” Interestingly, this also involved a ‘Straw-Man’ argument. In other words the only choices were to spend gobs of money we didn’t have, or do nothing and let the economy implode. No doubt, his excessive budget proposal will also be presented using a false choice.

From here on, study Obama’s speeches and listen for these arguments. Ask yourself, “does picking one of his options eliminate the other?” And, “does accepting one necessitate the choice of the other?” And finally, “have all options been presented?” Clear thought will unmask his dishonesty in every case. Then ask yourself, “why is he being dishonest?”